The aroma of grilled teriyaki chicken wafting through the air is simply irresistible. Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory glaze, sizzling away on the grill, creating tantalizing caramelization with each turn. Your taste buds are already tingling at the thought!
This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, grilled teriyaki chicken brings everyone together. I remember the first time I made it during my cousin’s birthday party—everyone was fighting over the last piece. The laughter, the joy, and the clinking of glasses made it a moment to cherish forever.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilled teriyaki chicken shines with its easy preparation and mouthwatering flavor
- The vibrant marinade adds a glossy finish, making it visually stunning
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is versatile enough to pair with rice, salads, or even wraps
Every bite of grilled teriyaki chicken bursts with flavor and joy. It’s perfect for all occasions, whether it’s sunny backyard barbecues or intimate family dinners that need a little extra love. The best part? You can whip this up quickly without breaking a sweat.
A couple of years back, I prepared grilled teriyaki chicken for my friends who were skeptical about trying new dishes. Their faces lit up with delight after their first bites—it was unforgettable!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on your crowd size or appetite.
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Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor; fresh is always best!
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully on the grill.
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Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to manage saltiness while enhancing flavor.
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Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the marinade perfectly.
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Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives an aromatic layer to your marinade that elevates everything.
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Green Onions: Chopped finely to garnish and add freshness right before serving.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide crunch and enhance visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined—this magical concoction will make your chicken sing!
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour in half of your marinade. Seal tightly and massage gently—let those flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you’re feeling adventurous)!
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grease the grates lightly so that no sticky situations arise during cooking.
Grill Away!: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on your grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F—keep an eye on those beautiful grill marks!
Add Extra Flavor**: Brush remaining marinade onto chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra glaze that will have everyone drooling.
Serve & Garnish**: Once cooked perfectly, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that finishing touch!
Now you’re ready to enjoy some delicious grilled teriyaki chicken! Pair it with rice or fresh veggies to complete your meal.
Remember to savor every bite as you relish in your culinary triumph! And don’t forget to try different sides; this dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a light salad. Happy grilling!
You Must Know
- Grilled teriyaki chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to master
- The marinade infuses the chicken with a sweet and savory taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or in a salad
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or veggies. You can also add crushed garlic or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect grilled teriyaki chicken, use bone-in pieces for juiciness
- Always preheat your grill to avoid sticking
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to enhance its tenderness and flavor
Sharing a memorable BBQ moment, my friends couldn’t stop raving about this grilled teriyaki chicken recipe—it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds.”
FAQ
How long should I marinate the grilled teriyaki chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
Can I use another meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork or beef works great with teriyaki marinade too.
What should I serve with grilled teriyaki chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of summer to your table. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil are grilled to perfection, creating deliciously caramelized bites. Perfect for BBQs or family dinners, this dish not only pleases the palate but also makes lasting memories around the grill. Serve it with rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Seal and gently massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly grease the grates.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For extra flavor, brush remaining marinade on chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing, then garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
